Project Manager

Join ProMach and contribute in a role that matches your strengths—whether you're creative, strategic, persuasive, or mechanically inclined. At ProMach, you'll tackle challenges, drive innovation in packaging performance, and shape the future of automation while being rewarded for your contributions.

About the role

Benchmark Automation is seeking a talented Project Manager to oversee and direct all machinery orders and projects from order distribution through successful completion and shipment. This position reports directly to the VP and General Manager. Benchmark Automation manufactures high-quality conveyors, infeeds, loading, stacking, and packaging equipment tailored for food and bakery manufacturers. As a division of ProMach, Benchmark Automation provides integrated packaging and processing solutions with responsive customer support focused on high performance, ease of use, and low maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for flawless project execution.
• Ensure projects are delivered on-time, within scope, and within budget.
• Assist in defining project scope and objectives, involving stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility.
• Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques; report and escalate issues to management as needed.
• Manage relationships with clients and all stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain relationships with third-party vendors.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
• Act as the primary contact for project status and performance, including communication with customers and third parties (e.g., machine manufacturers, line integrators, design consultants).
• Ensure all affected parties are kept informed in writing about project updates.
• Establish major project dates, identify critical path items, and track progress toward milestones.
• Assist in rescheduling when obstacles or changes arise and coordinate timely communications.
• Review customer-supplied specifications and confirm their accuracy at the time of order entry.
• Monitor project cost progress and compare to estimated costs to ensure alignment with the plan.
• Initiate, schedule, and conduct formal Project Kickoff and Specification Review Meetings shortly after machinery distribution, including mechanical and electrical designers, manufacturing and engineering supervision, and sales personnel.
• Develop meeting agendas, including a complete review of specifications and identification of areas requiring special attention.
• Identify time tables and critical dates to refine scheduled milestones.
• Manage changes or issues affecting project success, including responding to specification changes, coordinating associated costs, and initiating customer correspondence regarding additional charges.
• Interface with internal departments (e.g., manufacturing, accounting, human resources, parts, purchasing, engineering) to address and resolve inquiries and problems.
• Attend Factory Acceptance Tests for vendor-supplied equipment to evaluate performance prior to shipment.
• Coordinate and participate in Factory and Site Acceptance Tests to ensure successful project completion.
• Prepare reports (e.g., spreadsheets, time table action plans) detailing project progress.

Requirements

• BS in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of engineering experience in factory automation.
• Preferred experience in project leadership within private industry, particularly new machine manufacturing.
• Packaging industry experience is a plus.
• Analytical skills to synthesize complex and diverse information, collect and research data, and design effective workflows.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner, including gathering information and developing alternative solutions.
• Excellent team skills to manage diverse departmental goals toward successful project completion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to handle a multi-tasked role.
• Self-motivated with a sense of urgency, personable, and well-organized.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, or similar).

Benefits

• Open, communicative environment fostering individual initiative and career growth.
• Comprehensive medical and dental programs.
• Life insurance.
• Generous paid time off program.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Immediate eligibility for benefits on the first day of employment.